Residential Electrician Duties

By Mike Parker; Updated July 05, 2017

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Electricians are tradesmen in the construction industry who install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical lines and systems. Electricians typically work in a distinct specialty field; for example, an outside lineman handles the electrical lines and systems that deliver power from the source to the end user. Inside wiremen take that electricity and distribute it throughout their client's facility. Residential wiremen perform duties similar to inside wiremen, but they operate primarily in residential settings.

Planning

Residential wiremen may be involved with planning the electrical design in single- and multi-family dwellings. Their input is valuable in determining the appropriate placement of electrical outlets, lighting fixtures and heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. They may initiate the establishment of temporary power systems for new construction, and advise on the installation of circuit breaker boxes and other residential electrical systems.

Installation

Residential wiremen handle the installation of wiring and electrical systems in new construction and existing homes. They are responsible for ensuring all municipal codes are complied with. They run conduit and employ other wiring-protection measures. They must be able to read and follow blueprints to ensure that the architect's plans are implemented. They make sure the power is properly and safely distributed from the power source to the main circuit breaker and throughout the home.

Maintenance and Repair

Residential wiremen are the electricians homeowners call when they need an electrical system repaired, replaced or updated. For example, if you buy a new appliance that operates on 200 volts, and you don't have the appropriate outlet in that location, you'll need a residential wiremen to run the new line and connect it to your circuit breaker box. If you have a circuit breaker that continues to trip, you need a residential wireman to troubleshoot the circuit to determine whether you have a faulty circuit breaker or faulty wiring.

Considerations

Residential wiremen, like most electricians, are typically trained through a formal apprenticeship program that requires three years or more to complete. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23 percent growth in new jobs for electricians between 2010 and 2020, which is higher than the average growth rate for all jobs. Emerging technologies, such as cable television, fire and security alarm systems, fiber optic communications and computer networking continue to create new demands which will require residential wiremen to stay current in their field, according to the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee

About the Author

Mike Parker is a full-time writer, publisher and independent businessman. His background includes a career as an investments broker with such NYSE member firms as Edward Jones & Company, AG Edwards & Sons and Dean Witter. He helped launch DiscoverCard as one of the company's first merchant sales reps.